Introduction
Ever since its disruptive launch in the Indian telecom industry in 2016, Reliance Jio has continually reinterpreted what affordable and digital access entail for millions of Indians. Through its ultra-low rates of data, free voice calls, and pan-Indian 4G deployment, Jio transformed mobile connectivity and made the internet accessible to the masses.
In 2021, Jio made its next significant step by integrating the Jio Phone Next 2—a smartphone created in collaboration with Google, tailor-made for India’s first-time smartphone users. The JioPhone Next was powered by a customized Android Go-based Pragati OS, providing enhanced digital access with key features such as Google Assistant, Read-Aloud text, voice typing in Indian languages, and deep integration with Jio’s digital ecosystem. Affordably priced and packaged with EMI-based plans, the phone was a massive hit among rural and semi-urban consumers.
Today, while digital demand keeps increasing and users demand more from affordable devices, there is growing anticipation for the launch of the Jio Phone Next 2, and what features this new model will introduce — upgraded cameras, enhanced performance, bigger battery, or even 5G readiness. While Reliance has not officially announced the release, leaks and market rumours suggest that the Next two may be one of Jio’s most essential upgrades to its budget smartphone range.
In this article, we look at all we know about the Jio Phone Next 2 — from anticipated launch timelines and specs, through price expectations, to why it’s important for Indian consumers in 2025.
Jio Phone Next 2
Reliance Jio has not announced the release date for the Jio Phone Next 2. Given this trend, it is likely that Jio Phone Next 2 will be released around Diwali 2025, which lands in late October to early November.
There had been some rumors that Reliance could unveil the device at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in mid-2025 — a stage it has traditionally used to unveil prominent tech products such as JioFiber, Jio 5G, or JioBook. Since no such event occurred at the recent AGM, Reliance, being a surprise launch company, an unannounced unveiling later this year remains a possibility.
Key Features (Expected)
Display & Design
The screen should continue to have Gorilla Glass protection to provide durability for regular use. A sleeker and more contemporary design will make the phone compete with other affordable phones in its category.
Performance & Hardware
The largest of all the expectations is a performance upgrade. The original JioPhone Next had the Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 processor, which was adequate for simple tasks but paled under multitasking and heavier applications. The Next two could have a Snapdragon 4-series chipset, which would be a perceptible improvement in speed, application loading time, and responsiveness overall.
Camera Upgrades
The initial model had a 13MP primary camera and an 8MP selfie camera. The Jio Phone Next 2 can maintain the same megapixel value but with upgraded sensors, improved low-light capture, and maybe AI capabilities such as portrait mode, scene detection, and real-time filters. Upgraded Snapchat or Instagram integration might also be included for younger users.
Battery & Charging
Battery life is an essential worry for budget phone users. The old model came with a 3500mAh battery — good, but not great. The Next two are supposed to have a bigger battery, likely in the range of 4000mAh, which should easily last a day on regular use. Faster charging via USB-C support is also a probable upgrade over the older micro-USB port.
Connectivity & SIM Support
The phone will likely retain support for 4G VoLTE (as Jio has only 4G networks), dual SIM. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 support should be enhanced, and connectivity can be improved. 5G support would be too much at this price point, but Jio may add minor tweaks to enhance network performance in rural regions.
Software: Pragati OS 2.0?
Jio and Google had both created Pragati OS, a custom Android Go version for Indian users. The Jio Phone Next 2 could include a newer version, Android 13 (Go Edition) based. Look forward to smoother animations, improved privacy controls, and new India-first features such as voice typing in several local languages, read-aloud text, and real-time translation — all aimed at accessibility.
Multimedia & Jio Ecosystem
Like its forerunner, the Jio Phone Next 2 will probably be heavily integrated with Jio’s ecosystem — i.e., JioTV, JioCinema, JioSaavn, and MyJio. The phone will also carry all popular apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, with low-data usage optimizations.
The Jio Phone Next 2 should walk a tightrope between price and new features, positioning it as a good option for first-time smartphone consumers, older people, and rural consumers. If Jio can deliver on these improvements while maintaining the cost in check, it may be another market disruptor in India’s budget smartphone segment.
Price in India
One of the key reasons for the success of the original JioPhone Next was its highly affordable price structure, which brought smartphones within reach of tens of millions of Indians. At ₹6,499, the phone also had easy EMI and data pack plans available, as low as ₹1,999 upfront — particularly attractive for low-income and first-time smartphone buyers.
Expected Price Range
The on-sale price of the Jio Phone Next 2 should be somewhere in the range of ₹6,000 to ₹8,000, based on whether more than one version is released. This would still have it well under the price of most entry-level Android phones, without sacrificing adequate performance and integration with Jio services.
If Jio persists with its “Basic India” subsidized model, consumers will have access to the phone for as low as ₹2,499 upfront, with the balance in EMI form (≈₹300–₹600/month) paid through monthly plans, combined with Jio data and voice packs.
The company can also provide special student, senior citizen, or first-time buyer discounts to customers via MyJio app campaigns, as has been done in the past.
Why Pricing Matters
In India’s extremely price-sensitive market, the Jio Phone Next 2’s affordability could shake up the budget segment again — if only Jio keeps pushing it as a phone, but as a “gateway to the internet” for families that have never had a smart device.
A good-priced phone, coupled with inexpensive data, could provide Jio an even larger user base, particularly in tier-2, tier-3 cities and rural villages where smartphone penetration remains expanding.
What Makes It Special for Indian Users?
The Jio Phone Next 2 isn’t merely another budget phone — it’s bound to be engineered as a digital lifeline for tens of millions of Indians who are just joining the smartphone world for the first time. Similar to the first, the Next two would likely focus on addressing practical issues of low-income people, rural households, and elderly citizens.
Crossing the Digital Divide
Tens of millions of Indians, particularly rural ones, still do not have a smartphone. The first JioPhone Next brought internet to such communities with an affordable phone and inexpensive data. The Next two can do even more, with improved performance, enhanced features, and extended local language capabilities, making the internet more accessible to new users.
Designed for Indian Languages
Jio’s Pragati OS was applauded for its multi-language support — voice typing, text translation, and on-screen read-aloud in various Indian languages.
Elder-Friendly Features
Simplicity is key, particularly for seniors. With bigger fonts, voice guidance, loud sound, and less clutter, the Next two may be a perfect phone for elderly citizens who wish to use WhatsApp, view YouTube, or video call their relatives, but without the complication of expensive smartphones.
Reasonable EMI Offers for All
Reliance has been infamous for disrupting markets through deep discounting, and the Next two will be no different. Ultra-low-cost EMI plans with bundled data, calling, and app access will allow low-income families to purchase the phone without breaking the bank.
Jio Ecosystem at Your Fingertips
With apps like JioCinema, JioSaavn, JioTV, and MyJio, customers will have everything at their fingertips – entertainment, recharges, and account management. Stream your favourite movies, listen to devotional music, or check your balance – it will probably be just a tap away.
Made for Bharat, Not Just India
In contrast to most budget phones that are merely Indian versions of international handsets, the Jio Phone Next 2 should be explicitly crafted for Indian realities: irregular network patches, local content tastes, and digital illiteracy. From the availability of dual SIMs to data-saving technologies, all could be tailored to the Indian lifestyle.
Jio Phone Next 2 is about specifications, affordability, inclusivity, and access. If Reliance makes good on its promise, this phone will once again have the potential to be a lead player in India’s digitalization journey.
Comparison: JioPhone Next vs. JioPhone Next 2 (Expected)
| Feature | JioPhone Next (2021) | JioPhone Next 2 (Expected – 2025) |
| Display | 5.45″ HD+ (720×1440), thick bezels | 5.7″–6.0″ HD+, thinner bezels |
| Processor (SoC) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 | Snapdragon 4-series or newer |
| RAM | 2 GB | 3 GB (expected) |
| Storage | 32 GB (expandable to 512 GB) | 64 GB (expandable) |
| Rear Camera | 13 MP | 13 MP or better, with AI features |
| Front Camera | 8 MP | 8 MP with enhanced selfie support |
| Battery | 3,500 mAh | 4,000 mAh (expected), longer backup |
| Charging Port | Micro-USB | USB Type-C (likely) |
| Operating System | Pragati OS (Android 11 Go) | Android 13 Go / Pragati OS 2.0 |
| Connectivity | 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | 4G VoLTE, improved Bluetooth/Wi-Fi |
| Jio Apps | Preloaded | Preloaded with newer versions |
| EMI Plans | ₹1,999 upfront + ₹300–600/month | Similar pricing structure expected |
| Retail Price | ₹6,499 | ₹6,000 – ₹8,000 (estimated) |
| Target Audience | First-time smartphone users | Same, with added focus on young users |
Should You Wait for It or Buy Now?
If you’re on the fence about buying a smartphone under ₹7,000, deciding between buying now or waiting for the Jio Phone Next 2 depends on your urgency and needs.
Reasons to Wait for Jio Phone Next 2
- Better Hardware: With expected upgrades like a faster processor, more RAM, and a larger battery, the Next two will likely offer a smoother and more future-ready experience.
- Newer Software: With Android 13 Go or Pragati OS Update on shipping, users will get improved app support, smoother UI, and extended support.
- Contemporary Design: Thinner bezels, USB-C support, and AI camera support might make Next 2 resemble a newer smartphone.
- Festive Offers: Releasing around Diwali 2025, the phone can be bundled with special discounts, data offers, or EMI plans, making it a better bargain.
Why Purchase the Existing JioPhone Next Now
- Need of the Hour: If you or your family member requires a smartphone urgently for calling, WhatsApp, or online education, the existing phone still provides functional capabilities at a budget-friendly price.
- Stable & Tested: The current JioPhone Next has been available in the market since 2021 with software updates, bug fixes, and excellent integration with Jio services.
- Available on EMI: You can even purchase it today with a low upfront payment and bundled plans, making it affordable and easy to own.
Conclusion
The Jio Phone Next promises to be one of the year’s most highly anticipated budget phones. Though Reliance Jio has not officially launched, all indications suggest a Diwali 2025 release, following the brand’s tradition of introducing affordable India-first technology.
If the rumored upgrades come through — i.e., bigger screen, quicker processor, additional RAM, longer battery life, and new software — the Next 2 can be a watershed device for first-time smartphone buyers, students, and rural families. And with Jio’s infamous EMI and data bundle approach, affordability is likely.
Stay tuned — as soon as Jio goes official, we’ll get the complete breakdown for you with specs, price, and how to reserve yours.
FAQs
- When will Jio Phone Next 2 launch?
There is no official release date yet, but it is widely anticipated to arrive around Diwali 2025 festive season (October–November).
- What will the predicted price of Jio Phone Next 2 be in India?
The estimated retail price is expected to be between ₹6,000 and ₹8,000, with expected EMI plans starting at ₹2,499 upfront.
- Will Jio Phone Next 2 be 5G enabled?
No. It should only support 4G VoLTE, since Jio aims for ultra-budget customers and first-time phone buyers.
- What will the operating system be?
Jio Phone Next 2 will probably have an updated Pragati OS, which runs on Android 13 Go Edition.
- Will WhatsApp and YouTube be available on Jio Phone Next 2?
Yes. Like its predecessor, it should support all popular apps like WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Can the phone be used with a different SIM than Jio?
The phone shall support dual SIMs, but key features and advantages are designed for usage on the Jio network.
- What are the anticipated camera specifications?
The Next 2 will likely come with a 13MP primary camera and an 8MP selfie camera, which may support AI features such as portrait mode and scene detection.
- Will there be EMI or financing options?
Yes, Jio will likely have EMI plans, data, and voice packs similar to what was offered with the initial JioPhone Next.
- How good is the battery backup of Jio Phone Next 2?
It is expected to feature a larger battery (around 4,000mAh), offering better all-day usage than the original’s 3,500mAh.
- Is it worth waiting for the Jio Phone Next 2?
If you’re not in urgent need, yes. The Next 2 is expected to offer significantly improved performance and features at a similar price.
